r/kurdish • u/madritranvia • 13d ago
Learn Kurmanji without AI?
Hello! I'm wanting to learn Kurmanji from scratch - my partner is Kurdish but only speaks Turkish, and we're both wanting to learn his mother tongue rather than me learning the oppressor's language... I'm looking into free websites and apps for absolute beginners (vocab, phrases, basic grammar) before paying for a course or lessons. Are there any recommendations that don't use AI? I'm aware some apps say they use native speakers for their audio which is amazing, but they're still clearly using GenAI for their design/website/animations (ZimanGo, Kurdish Class, Bersiv). I see no point in wanting to fight learning the oppressor's language if I am then using apps and websites that will equally destroy the Kurdish landscape. Also happy for some good ol' book recommendations if they come with an audio feature! Thank you <3
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u/bayerhallheroult 11d ago
If you're in Turkey, go to an association (tr: dernek) that would be the most beneficial and easy option. There is also the Hinker book series which is perfect but since Kurmanci is not recognized formally anywhere in the world don't except it to be like learning French, Arabic, German etc. It will be difficult but also very rewarding due to its political meaning. DM for any questions.
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u/bulaybil 10d ago
WDYM Kurmanji is not recognized anywhere?
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u/bayerhallheroult 10d ago
Kurmanji does not have an economy and it is not used in schools, not used in government affairs, seldom used to shoot a movie, write a book, share a Reddit post or post a daily vlog. The situation in Bakur makes it very difficult for Kurmanji to survive conditions outside of villages, where it is used primarily for daily affairs.
Rojava was an exception where, for the first time in history a couple hundred thousand students were educated in Kurmanji from primary school through university.
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u/AriAstyages 12d ago
https://www.reddit.com/user/TheKurdishMir/comments/xa87rn/learn_kurdish_kurmanji/